Bacterial Cellulose Reinforced Flax Fibre Composites: Effect of Nanocellulose Loading on Composite Properties

Abstract

Loose hierarchical flax fibres/polypropylene composites were manufactured in a simple way based on a paper-making process in order to include nanocellulose and allow the hornification of the nanofibres in a controlled manner. The effect of flax fibre content on the flax/polypropylene composites and the influence of nanocellulose on the properties of these composites are discussed. By increasing the flax content a slight decrease of the tensile strength and an increase of the Young´s modulus were observed. On the other hand, no significant effect was noticed when increasing the bacterial cellulose content in the composites.